I’m pleased with the way the team has adapted to life in the SCEFL Premier Division, says Sheppey United boss Ernie Batten

SHEPPEY UNITED manager Ernie Batten says his side have adapted to life in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division.

The club were promoted from the Kent Invicta League last season as runners-up to Bearsted and Batten is happy with the way his side have started their Step Five campaign.

The Ites are sitting in seventh-place in the table, having collected two wins, one draw and one defeat so far this season.

“I’m pleased with the way the team has adapted to life in the SCEFL Premier Division,” said Batten, who guided the club to Kent Reliance Senior Trophy glory last season.

“I would say there is a real gulf in playing standards from the Kent Invicta League we played in last season.

“The pace of a game is a yard and a half quicker and unless players’ perform and concentrate for the full 90 minutes it’s unlikely the result will be positive.

“We had to improve in this respect after our first two games were very tight.

“In our opening game against Sevenoaks (which we lost 2-0), we switched off at times and were punished.  We followed that up by surrendering a two-goal lead against Hollands & Blair (to draw 2-2).

“We have learnt quickly and to enable us to improve the players have been excellent in training as we have worked on certain professional aspects of the game.

“The two victories over the Bank Holiday against Whitstable and Ashford were very satisfying and I would say I was pleased with the quality of our play.”

Corinthian arrive at Holm Park on Saturday sitting in 12^th place in the table and Michael Golding’s side play a nice attractive brand of passing football.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday’s game against Corinthian and I think it will be a feast of good football,” added Batten.

“I’ve watched Corinthian play their opening game of the season at Tunbridge Wells and was impressed with their passing style.  We also like to knock the ball around so I’m expecting a quality game of football on a magnificent playing surface at Holm Park.”

Visit Sheppey United’s website: www.sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk

Sheppey United  v  Corinthian
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 3^rd September 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Holm Park, Queenborough Road, Sheerness, Kent ME12 3DB